The Shift in Sacred Music Paradigm—part 2

The Shift in Sacred Music Paradigm—part 2

Until the twentieth century, rhythm in sacred music was used to help build tension in music but always subsided in a final relaxation to achieve finality. As I have said before, music flowed in a forward directionality from relaxation to tension to find relaxation.  All well-constructed musical compositions have a beginning, a climax and an ending.  Rock music does not normally let you relax anywhere or at least not often in the composition.  Therefore it is not biblical in its enactment. 

Jesus said in St. Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  He did not say, “I will give you continuous tension,” or “I will keep your heavy laden or burdened down.”  The heaviness and incessant tension created by the preponderant beat of rock music is not compatible with the good news of the gospel.  Even our heartbeat is made of tension and release.  The good news presented by sacred music should bring ultimate rest, not tension.  Music that is compatible with the Gospel of Christ or the Logos Christos must come to regular points of rest.